Ok, here’s the tea – or coffee, in this instance – on the new Juniper Latte from Starbucks. This latte is a new addition to their winter holiday menu, and it’s a traditional latte with hints of sage, juniper and orange. So out of curiosity, I decided to try it. Here are my different reactions:
1. It’s unusual
The drink tastes like coffee but also like herbs. If you crossed tea and coffee, then this is what it would probably taste like. It’s way different from the other holiday drinks Starbucks has on its menu; the peppermint, gingerbread and caramel brulee lattes are all really sweet – and this one isn’t super sweet.
2. It’s sweet-ish
After my first sip, I got the sweetness of the milk and for real thought I was drinking something else; it tasted like a caramel macchiato, to be honest. I wasn’t expecting the drink to be sweet, I was expecting more of a coffee or espresso flavor.
3. It has an herbal aftertaste
After the sweet comes a punch of herbal flavor. It tastes like stuffing or a holiday candle; it’s so weird but good. It tastes like the holidays, and that’s the best way I can explain it. For me, I found the herbal aftertaste to be too much after a while, so I’d quickly swallow it.
4. It has sage vibes
I definitely got the sage vibes and taste when I tried it. I’m used to coffee being bitter, so to have it be herb-like made me confused. At least the drink tastes like the name; I’d rather something be too strong than fall flat on its promises.
5. It tastes like pine
I’ve personally never licked a pine tree, but I imagine this drink is what it tastes like. All the spices and the milk really do make it feel like you’re sipping on a pine tree. How festive!
Trying the Starbucks Juniper Latte was quite an experience and one I haven’t had with any sort of coffee before. Would I have it again? Yes. Would I get it every day? No. I don’t want herbal, earthy coffee all the time; it’s a lot of flavor sensations for one drink, and I don’t really want that every single day. If you like tea or chai, then this would be nice for you. I also think if you like your coffee bitter and not filled with syrups and additives, then this drink is also a good choice. Overall, I feel confused about this concoction, but who knows – this might be your new favorite drink, collegiettes!